Image Reading Apparatus and Printing Apparatus

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2024-113885, filed Jul. 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to an image reading apparatus and a printing apparatus.

There is known an image reading apparatus that is attached to a printing apparatus and reads an image from a target medium from which an image is read, the image reading apparatus including a feed tray on which the medium is placed, a conveyance unit that conveys, from the feed tray, the medium placed on the feed tray, an image reading unit that reads the image from the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit, a discharge tray on which the medium is discharged after the image has been read by the image reading unit, and a housing that houses the conveyance unit and the image reading unit on the inside. The feed tray and the discharge tray are capable of being pulled out in a pull-out direction (see JP-A-2023-167889).

JP-A-2023-167889 is an example of the related art.

In the image reading apparatus as described in JP-A-2023-167889, although both of a direction in which the feed tray is pulled out and a direction in which the discharge tray is pulled out are the same pull-out direction, a user has to individually pull out the feed tray and the discharge tray in the pull-out direction. This sometimes deteriorates the convenience of the user and is undesirable.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image reading apparatus that is attached to a printing apparatus and reads an image from a target medium from which the image is read, the image reading apparatus including: a feed tray on which the medium is placed; a conveyance unit configured to convey, from the feed tray, the medium placed on the feed tray; an image reading unit configured to read an image from the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; a discharge tray to which the medium from which the image was read by the image reading unit is discharged; and a housing configured to house the conveyance unit and the image reading unit on an inside, wherein the feed tray and the discharge tray are capable of being pulled out in a pull-out direction, and, according to movement of one of the feed tray and the discharge tray in the pull-out direction, the other of the feed tray and the discharge tray moves in the pull-out direction.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is explained below with reference to the drawings.

First, an overview of an image reading apparatus according to the embodiment is explained.

The image reading apparatus according to the embodiment is attached to a printing apparatus and reads an image from a target medium from which the image is read. The image reading apparatus includes a feed tray, a conveyance unit, an image reading unit, a discharge tray, and a housing. The feed tray is a tray on which a medium is placed. The conveyance unit conveys, from the feed tray, the medium placed on the feed tray. The image reading unit reads an image from the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit. The discharge tray is a tray on which the medium is discharged after the image has been read by the image reading unit. The housing houses the conveyance unit and the image reading unit on the inside. Here, the feed tray and the discharge tray can be pulled out in a pull-out direction. In the image reading apparatus, according to movement of one of the feed tray and the discharge tray in the pull-out direction, the other of the feed tray and the discharge tray moves in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatus can reduce labor and time of a user for individually pulling out the feed tray and the discharge tray. As a result, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user.

The configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment is explained in detail below.

1 A configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the embodiment is explained below with reference to an image reading apparatusby way of example.

1 Note, in the embodiment, a user of the image reading apparatusis simply referred to as user for convenience of explanation. In the present specification, a three-dimensional coordinate system TC is a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system indicating directions in a figure in which the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is drawn. In the following explanation, an X axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is simply referred to as X axis for convenience of explanation. In the following explanation, a Y axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is simply referred to as Y axis for convenience of explanation. In the following explanation, a Z axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is simply referred to as Z axis for convenience of explanation. In the following explanation, as an example, a case in which a negative direction of the Z axis coincides with the direction of gravity is explained. Therefore, in the following explanation, a positive direction of the Z axis is referred to as upward direction or simply referred to as upward and a negative direction of the Z axis is referred to as downward direction or simply referred to as downward for convenience of explanation. In the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, a positive direction of the X axis is referred to as forward direction or simply referred to as forward and a negative direction of the X axis is referred to as rearward direction or simply referred to as rearward.

In the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, a surface on the positive direction side of the X axis among surfaces of a certain object is referred to as front surface of the object and a surface on the negative direction side of the X axis among surfaces of the object is referred to as rear surface of the object. In the following explanation, an object being viewed in a certain direction is referred to as the object being viewed from the direction.

1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an exterior including a front surface of the image reading apparatusaccording to the embodiment.

1 FIG. 1 FIG. 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 As illustrated in, the image reading apparatusis attached to a printing apparatusand reads an image from a target medium CPfrom which an image is read. The image reading apparatusmay be provided in the printing apparatusor may not be provided in the printing apparatus. The printing apparatusis, for example, an inkjet printer but may be a printer of another type instead. In the example illustrated in, when the printing apparatusis viewed in the vertical direction, the printing apparatusconveys a print medium in parallel to the X axis and prints an image on the conveyed print medium. The medium CPis, for example, a printed medium on which an image is printed but not always limited to the printed medium. In the following explanation, as an example, a case in which the medium CPis A4-size print paper on which an image is printed is explained.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 1 2 2 1 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the image reading apparatusattached to the printing apparatus. In, a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the printing apparatusis illustrated together with the side cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatus.

2 FIG. 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 As illustrated in, the image reading apparatusincludes a housing BX, a feed-side placement unit PM, a conveyance unit R, a feed tray DS, an image reading unit SC, a discharge-side placement section PM, and a discharge tray ST. The image reading apparatusmay include other members in addition to the housing BX, the feed-side placement unit PM, the conveyance unit R, the feed tray DS, the image reading unit SC, the discharge-side placement section PM, and the discharge tray ST.

1 1 1 2 1 2 The housing BX has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole and houses the members provided in the image reading apparatus. For this reason, the housing BX houses each of the feed-side placement unit PM, the conveyance unit R, the feed tray DS, the image reading unit SC, the discharge-side placement section PM, and the discharge tray ST. Note that the housing BX may have another shape. The housing BX may be configured not to house some or all of the feed-side placement unit PM, the feed tray DS, the discharge-side placement section PM, and the discharge tray ST.

1 1 1 The feed-side placement unit PMis a member having a feed-side placement surface PMMon which one or more media CPare placed.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 FIG. The conveyance unit Ris a member that conveys the medium CPin a predetermined conveyance direction. In the example illustrated in, the conveyance unit Rincludes a pickup roller on the upstream side and includes a separation roller on the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The media CPplaced on the feed-side placement surface PMMof the feed-side placement unit PMare conveyed one by one in the conveyance direction. Instead of the pickup roller and the separation roller, the conveyance unit Rmay include other members capable of conveying the media CPplaced on the feed-side placement surface PMMof the feed-side placement unit PMone by one in the conveyance direction. In the following explanation, for convenience of explanation, the downstream end of a certain object in the conveyance direction is referred to as downstream end of the object and the upstream end of the object in the conveyance direction is referred to as upstream end of the object. The downstream end of the object refers to an end portion on the downstream side in the conveyance direction among end portions of the object. The upstream end of the object refers to an end portion on the upstream side in the conveyance direction among the end portions of the object.

2 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 FIG. 2 FIG. Here, the conveyance direction is parallel to a direction in which the printing apparatusconveys a printing medium when the image reading apparatusis viewed from a direction orthogonal to the feed-side placement surface PMM. In the example illustrated in, the conveyance direction is, for example, the vertical direction. Accordingly, in this case, the direction in which the printing apparatusconveys the printed medium is the direction parallel to the X axis as described above. Therefore, in this case, the conveyance direction is also the direction parallel to the X axis. A dotted line PT illustrated inindicates a part of a path on which the medium CPconveyed by the conveyance unit Rpasses. The conveyance direction may be a direction along the X axis. Furthermore, the conveyance direction may be expressed as direction along the negative direction of the X axis. In this case, the conveyance direction is a direction in which the medium CPis conveyed along the negative direction of the X axis in the path on which the medium CPconveyed by the conveyance unit Rpasses. In this case, a direction in which the medium CPis conveyed in the positive direction of the X axis after passing through a portion where the medium CPis curved and change a direction in the path may be expressed as direction opposite to the conveyance direction.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 FIGS.and The feed tray DS is a member that supports the medium CPin conjunction with the feed-side placement unit PM. The feed tray DS is located above the discharge tray ST. The feed tray DS is a tray that can be pulled out in a predetermined pull-out direction. By pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction, it is possible to expand a surface that supports the medium CPin conjunction with the feed-side placement surface PMMof the feed-side placement unit PM. For this reason, the pull-out direction is a direction parallel to the conveyance direction. Here, in the examples illustrated in, the medium CPis conveyed from the feed-side placement unit PMto the negative direction side of the X axis. In this case, the pull-out direction coincides with the positive direction of the X axis. That is, the pull-out direction is a direction opposite to the direction in which the medium CPis conveyed from the feed-side placement unit PM. The direction in which the feed tray DS is pulled out may be expressed as first pull-out direction. The first pull-out direction may be a direction along the X axis.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. More specifically, the feed tray DS can be displaced from a first state to a second state by being pulled out in the pull-out direction. In other words, the feed tray DS can be displaced from the first state to the second state by being pulled out in the first pull-out direction. Here, the first state is, among states of the feed tray DS, a state in which the feed tray DS is located at a first position determined in advance as a position where the feed tray DS is housed in the housing BX above the feed-side placement surface PMM. On the other hand, the second state is, among the states of the feed tray DS, a state in which the feed tray DS is located at a second position determined in advance as a position where the feed tray DS supports the medium CPin conjunction with the feed-side placement unit PM. The state of the feed tray DS illustrated inis the second state. That is, the position where the feed tray DS is located illustrated inis an example of the second position. For this reason, in the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS is coupled to the feed-side placement surface PMMof the feed-side placement unit PMand supports the medium CPin conjunction with the feed-side placement unit PM. The feed tray DS may be referred to as document support. A joint between the upper surface of the feed tray DS and the feed-side placement surface PMMmay have a step or may not have a step. When the joint between the upper surface of the feed tray DS and the feed-side placement surface PMMhas a step, the downstream end of the upper surface of the feed tray DS is located above the upstream end of the feed-side placement surface PMM.

1 1 1 1 1 The image reading unit SC reads an image from the medium CPconveyed by the conveyance unit R. That is, the image reading unit SC is a scanner. More specifically, the image reading unit SC has a glass surface and reads an image from the medium CPpassing over the glass surface. When the image reading unit SC is used as a flatbed scanner, a member located on the glass surface among members provided in the image reading unit SC is opened to expose the glass surface and the medium CPis set on the exposed glass surface. Accordingly, the image reading unit SC can read an image from the medium CPset on the glass surface.

2 1 2 2 1 The discharge-side placement section PMis a tray to which the medium CPfrom which the image has been read by the image reading unit SC is discharged. More specifically, the discharge-side placement section PM: is a member having a discharge-side placement surface PMMon which one or more media CPare placed.

1 2 1 2 2 The discharge tray ST is a member that supports the medium CPin conjunction with the discharge-side placement section PM. The discharge tray ST is a tray that can be pulled out in the pull-out direction explained above. By pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction explained above, it is possible to expand a surface that supports the medium CPin conjunction with the discharge-side placement surface PMMof the discharge-side placement section PM. The direction in which the discharge tray ST is pulled out may be expressed as second pull-out direction and, in this case, may be a direction different from the first pull-out direction explained above, which is the direction in which the feed tray DS is pulled out. In this case, the second pull-out direction may be a direction along the X axis.

2 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. 2 FIG. More specifically, the discharge tray ST can be displaced from a third state to a fourth state by being pulled out in the pull-out direction. In other words, the discharge tray ST can be displaced from the third state to the fourth state by being pulled out in the second pull-out direction. Here, the third state is, among states of the discharge tray ST, a state in which the discharge tray ST is located at a third position determined in advance as a position where the discharge tray ST is housed in the housing BX above the discharge-side placement surface PMM. On the other hand, the fourth state is, among the states of the discharge tray ST, a state in which the discharge tray ST is located at a fourth position determined in advance as a position where the discharge tray ST supports the medium CPin conjunction with the discharge-side placement surface PMM. The state of the discharge tray ST illustrated inis the fourth state. That is, the position where the discharge tray ST is located illustrated inis an example of the fourth position. For this reason, in the example illustrated in, the discharge tray ST is coupled to the discharge-side placement surface PMMof the discharge-side placement section PMand supports the medium CPin conjunction with the discharge-side placement section PM. The discharge tray ST may be referred to as stacker. A positional relationship between the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST is not limited to the example illustrated in. The discharge tray ST may be present above the feed tray DS.

2 2 On the other hand, the printing apparatusincludes a paper feed tray TR, a conveyance unit R, a printing unit C, a discharge tray ET, an operation unit (an operation panel), and an ink tank.

2 2 1 The paper feed tray TR is a tray on which a medium CPis placed as a print medium. The medium CPis, for example, A4-size print paper but, instead of this, may be another medium on which an image can be printed, such as a sticker mount. The discharge tray ET can be pulled out in a pull-out direction, which is a direction from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing BX. That is, the discharge tray ST and the feed tray DS provided in the image reading apparatuscan be pulled out in the same direction.

2 2 2 2 2 The conveyance unit Rconveys the medium CPplaced on the paper feed tray TR to the printing unit C. At this time, when the printing apparatusis viewed in the vertical direction, the conveyance unit Rconveys the medium CPto the printing unit C in parallel to the X axis.

2 2 1 2 3 The printing unit C prints an image on the medium CPconveyed by the conveyance unit R. The printing unit C includes, for example, a carriage C, a print head C, and a platen C.

1 2 2 1 1 2 FIG. The carriage Cis mounted with the print head Cand reciprocates the print head Calong a predetermined scanning direction. The scanning direction is a direction intersecting the conveyance direction when the image reading apparatusis viewed from the direction orthogonal to the feed-side placement surface PMM. In the example illustrated in, the scanning direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction in the case, that is, a direction parallel to the Y axis.

2 2 2 3 2 The print head Cprints an image on the medium CPpassing between the print head Cand the platen C. In this example, the print head Cis, for example, an inkjet print head but is not limited thereto.

3 2 2 2 The platen Csupports the medium CPconveyed by the conveyance unit Rbelow a path on which the print head Cmoves.

2 1 2 The discharge tray ET is a tray to which the medium CPon which the image has been printed by the printing unit C is discharged. The discharge tray ET can be pulled out in a pull-out direction, which is a direction from the rear surface to the front surface of the housing BX. That is, the discharge tray ST and the feed tray DS provided in the image reading apparatusand the discharge tray ET and the paper feed tray TR on the printing apparatusside can be pulled out in the same direction.

1 2 1 In the image reading apparatusattached to the printing apparatushaving the configuration explained above, in response to the movement of one of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction, the other of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST moves in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user. Hereinafter, a configuration around the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST is explained. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the one tray is referred to as operation tray and the other tray is referred to as driven tray. In this case, for example, when the operation tray is the feed tray DS the driven tray is the discharge tray ST. On the other hand, in this case, for example, when the operation tray is the discharge tray ST, the driven tray is the feed tray DS.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. Hereinafter, a configuration around the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST is explained.is a side view illustrating an example of a configuration of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST.illustrates each of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST when viewed in the positive direction of the Y axis. In the example illustrated in, the operation tray is the discharge tray ST. Further, in this example, the driven tray is the feed tray DS. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case in which a state of the feed tray DS is the first state and a state of the discharge tray ST is the third state is referred to as a case in which the state of the feed tray DS is the first state.

1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 When viewed from the direction orthogonal to the feed-side placement surface PMM, the feed tray DS can be displaced between the first state and the second state by being slid with respect to the feed-side placement unit PMin parallel to the conveyance direction. For this reason, as explained above, the feed tray DS can be displaced from the first state to the second state by being pulled out in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, even when there is no empty space above the image reading apparatus, the user can displace the state of the feed tray DS between the first state and the second state. That is, the feed tray DS is provided in the housing BX slidably between the first position and the second position. In order to implement the above, the feed tray DS includes, for example, a section to be positioned EGthat is positioned by a positioning section EGprovided in the housing BX. The feed tray DS may include a single section to be positioned EGor may include two or more sections to be positioned EG. However, the number of positioning sections EGfor positioning the sections to be positioned EGcoincides with the number of sections to be positioned EG.

3 FIG. 2 2 2 2 2 2 In the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS includes two sections to be positioned EG. That is, in the example, the sections to be positioned EGare respectively provided at both the end portions in the direction parallel to the Y axis among end portions of the feed tray DS. The two sections to be positioned EGface each other in the direction parallel to the Y axis and have the same configuration. For this reason, hereinafter, the configuration of the section to be positioned EGon the negative direction side of the Y axis of these two sections to be positioned EGis explained as an example of the configuration of the two sections to be positioned EG.

2 21 22 21 22 1 21 22 21 22 21 22 21 22 2 2 3 FIG. 3 FIG. The section to be positioned EGincludes a first section to be engaged EGand a second section to be engaged EGthat are disposed side by side in parallel to the pull-out direction when the feed tray DS is in the first state. In the example illustrated in, the first section to be engaged EGis located further downstream in the pull-out direction than the second section to be engaged EGwhen viewed in the direction orthogonal to the feed-side placement surface PMM. The first section to be engaged EGand the second section to be engaged EGare cylindrical protrusions protruding from the feed tray DS in a direction orthogonal to the pull-out direction. In other words, the first section to be engaged EGand the second section to be engaged EGare cylindrical protrusions protruding from the feed tray DS in the negative direction of the Y axis. In this example, the first section to be engaged EGis separated from the second section to be engaged EG. However, the first section to be engaged EGmay be coupled to the second section to be engaged EG. In, the section to be positioned EGon the positive direction side of the Y axis among the sections to be positioned EGprovided in the feed tray DS is hidden behind the main body of the feed tray DS and is not seen.

4 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 Here,is a side cross-sectional view of the image reading apparatusillustrated incut such that the exterior of the positioning section EGcan be seen. However, in, in order to clearly show the configuration of the positioning section EG, the feed tray DS is omitted. In an example illustrated in, the positioning section EGis provided at each of two inner walls intersecting the Y axis among inner walls of the housing BX. That is, in this example, the housing BX includes two positioning sections EG. This is because, as explained above, the feed tray DS includes the two sections to be positioned EG. The two positioning sections EGface each other in the direction parallel to the Y axis and have the same configuration. For this reason, hereinafter, a configuration of the positioning section EGon the positive direction side of the Y axis of the two positioning sections EGis explained as an example of the configuration of the two positioning sections EG.

2 21 22 1 11 12 11 1 11 21 12 11 22 1 11 12 13 21 12 22 13 12 12 13 11 13 21 21 13 1 4 FIG. When the section to be positioned EGincludes the first section to be engaged EGand the second section to be engaged EG, the positioning section EGincludes, for example, a first engaging section EGand a second engaging section EG. In the example illustrated in, the first engaging section EGis located above the feed-side placement surface PMMand extends in a direction parallel to the pull-out direction. In the example, the downstream end of the first engaging section EGengages with the first section to be engaged EGof the feed tray DS in the first state. In the example, the second engaging section EGis the upstream end of the first engaging section EGand engages with the second section to be engaged EGof the feed tray DS in the second state. In the example, the positioning section EGincludes, together with the first engaging section EGand the second engaging section EG, a third engaging section EGthat engages with the first section to be engaged EGwhen the second engaging section EGand the second engaging section EGare engaged. The third engaging section EGis located below the second engaging section EGand further downstream in the conveyance direction than the second engaging section EG. More specifically, the third engaging section EGis a recess formed downward from the first engaging section EG. For this reason, when the third engaging section EGand the first section to be engaged EGengage, the first section to be engaged EGis caught by the third engaging section EG, whereby the feed tray DS does not slide in the conveyance direction with the gravity. That is, in this case, in the image reading apparatus, the position of the feed tray DS can be fixed even when the feed tray DS is inclined.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 21 13 21 13 22 12 1 21 13 22 12 1 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the feed tray DS in the case in which the first section to be engaged EGand the third engaging section EGare engaged. In an example illustrated in, the first section to be engaged EGis engaged with the third engaging section EG. In the example, the second section to be engaged EGis engaged with the second engaging section EG. Accordingly, in the image reading apparatus, the upper surface of the feed tray DS can be inclined. For example, the user can engage the first section to be engaged EGwith the third engaging section EGby bringing the state of the feed tray DS into the second state by sliding the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction and engaging the second section to be engaged EGwith the second engaging section EGand thereafter lifting the upstream end of the feed tray DS. This allows the medium CPto slide to the downstream side in the conveyance direction with gravity and is useful.

11 1 12 11 12 1 11 1 12 11 3 FIG. Here, the feed tray DS includes a feed-side flat section DShaving a flat surface on which the medium CPis placed and a feed-side protruding section DSprotruding in the vertical direction from the upstream end of the feed-side flat section DSin the case in which the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. In the example illustrated in, the feed-side protruding section DSis a flat plate-shaped member and, in this case, constitutes a part of the front surface of the image reading apparatus. On the other hand, the discharge tray ST includes a discharge-side flat section SThaving a plane on which the medium CPis placed and a discharge-side protruding section STprotruding in a direction opposite to the vertical direction from the upstream end of the discharge-side flat section STin this case.

3 FIG. 3 FIG. 3 FIG. 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 1 1 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 1 12 12 12 12 12 As illustrated in, at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction. Specifically, the feed-side protruding section DSand the discharge-side protruding section STare disposed side by side in the order of the discharge-side protruding section STand the feed-side protruding section DSin the pulling-out direction. In the example illustrated in, when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state, the feed-side protruding section DSis in contact with the discharge-side protruding section ST. Therefore, the discharge-side protruding section STmoves the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction by the discharge-side protruding section STpressing the feed-side protruding section DSaccording to the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. Therefore, in the image reading apparatusillustrated in, the user can pull out the feed tray DS together with the discharge tray ST by pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce the time and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user. In the case, the feed-side protruding section DSmay be separated from the discharge-side protruding section ST. Even in this case, as long as at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction, the discharge-side protruding section STcan move the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. However, when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state and the feed-side protruding section DSis in contact with the discharge-side protruding section ST, the user can always associate the movement of the discharge tray ST and the movement of the feed tray DS when pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce an operation burden on the user. Further, the feed-side protruding section DSmay protrude in the direction opposite to the vertical direction and the discharge-side protruding section STmay protrude in the vertical direction. Even in this case, as long as at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction, the discharge-side protruding section STcan move the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction.

6 FIG. 6 FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the feed tray DS pulled out in the pull-out direction together with the discharge tray ST by pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. As illustrated in, when the discharge tray ST is pulled out in the pull-out direction, the feed tray DS is also pushed by the discharge tray ST and pulled out in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user.

6 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 7 FIG. 12 12 1 1 21 13 In the example illustrated in, a surface on the pull-out direction side among surfaces of the feed tray DS includes an opening HL. The opening HL does not overlap the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction. For this reason, when the user pulls out the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction, the user can hook a finger on the discharge tray ST through the opening HL. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan facilitate pull-out of the discharge tray ST by the user. When the user lifts the feed tray DS in the second state upward, the user can hook a finger on the feed tray DS through the opening HL. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan facilitate lifting of the feed tray DS by the user.is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which the upstream end of the feed tray DS in the second state is lifted upward. In the feed tray DS illustrated in, the first section to be engaged EGis engaged with the third engaging section EGexplained above. For this reason, in the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS is held in a state in which the upper surface is kept inclined.

6 FIG. 12 12 1 12 In the example illustrated in, the feed-side protruding section DSalso functions as an operation section with which the user operates the feed tray DS when pushing the feed tray DS in a pushing direction opposite to the pull-out direction. In this case, the user can push the discharge tray ST in the pushing direction together with the feed tray DS by pushing the feed-side protruding section DSin the pushing direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually push in the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can more securely improve the convenience of the user. The operation section may be separate from the feed-side protruding section DS.

3 FIG. 1 1 1 As illustrated in, the image reading apparatusfurther includes an urging member SPthat urges the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction and a restriction section LMthat restricts the movement of the discharge tray ST.

1 1 1 1 1 3 FIG. The restriction section LMrestricts the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. The restriction section LMreleases the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray ST by the restriction section LMin response to operation received from the user. The configuration of the restriction section LMmay be any configuration if the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray ST in the case and the release of the restriction according to the operation can be performed in the configuration. For this reason, in, the restriction section LMis illustrated as a rectangular object.

1 1 1 1 1 1 The urging member SPmay be any member if the member is capable of urging the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. The urging member SPis, for example, a coil spring that urges the downstream end of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. The urging member SPis provided in the housing BX and moves the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing BX when the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray ST by the restriction section LMis released. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan assist the user in pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. That is, the image reading apparatuscan reduce a force applied to the discharge tray ST by the user in order to pull out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction together with the discharge tray ST.

1 1 1 1 12 12 12 12 1 1 1 1 1 The restriction section LMmay be configured to restrict the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. In this case, the restriction section LMreleases the restriction of the movement of the feed tray DS by the restriction section LMin response to operation received from the user. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan also assist the user in pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. This is because the restriction also restricts the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction together with the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. This is because the discharge-side protruding section STand the feed-side protruding section DSoverlap in the pull-out direction and the discharge-side protruding section STand the feed-side protruding section DSare in contact when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. The urging member SPmay be configured to urge the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. Even in this case, the urging member SPis provided in the housing BX and moves the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing BX when the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray ST or the feed tray DS by the restriction section LMis released. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan assist the user in pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. That is, the image reading apparatuscan reduce the force applied to the feed tray DS by the user in order to pull out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction together with the feed tray DS.

1 1 As explained above, in the image reading apparatus, the feed tray DS moves in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user.

1 A modification 1 of the embodiment is explained below. In the image reading apparatusaccording to the modification 1 of the embodiment, the discharge tray ST moves in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. That is, in the modification 1 of the embodiment, the operation tray is the feed tray DS. In the modification 1 of the embodiment, the driven tray is the discharge tray ST.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 13 12 is a side view illustrating another example of the configuration of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST. In the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS includes a feed-side protruding section DSinstead of the feed-side protruding section DS.

8 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 13 12 13 12 13 12 13 12 13 12 1 1 12 13 13 12 13 13 12 1 13 12 13 12 12 As illustrated in, at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction. Specifically, the feed-side protruding section DSand the discharge-side protruding section STare disposed side by side in the order of the feed-side protruding section DSand the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction. Further, in the example illustrated in, when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state, the feed-side protruding section DSis in contact with the discharge-side protruding section ST. Therefore, the feed-side protruding section DSmoves the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction by pushing the discharge-side protruding section STaccording to the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. Therefore, in the image reading apparatusillustrated in, the user can pull out the discharge tray ST together with the feed tray DS by pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce the time and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user. In the case, the discharge-side protruding section STmay be separated from the feed-side protruding section DS. Even in this case, as long as at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction, the feed-side protruding section DScan move the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. However, when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state and the feed-side protruding section DSis in contact with the discharge-side protruding section ST, the user can always associate the movement of the discharge tray ST and the movement of the feed tray DS when pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce an operation burden on the user. Further, the feed-side protruding section DSmay protrude in the direction opposite to the vertical direction and the discharge-side protruding section STmay protrude in the vertical direction. Even in this case, as long as at least a part of the feed-side protruding section DSoverlaps the discharge-side protruding section STin the pull-out direction, the discharge-side protruding section STcan move the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction.

9 FIG. 9 FIG. 9 FIG. 9 FIG. 1 13 12 12 12 12 12 12 1 1 1 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which the state of the feed tray DS is the first state in the image reading apparatusaccording to the modification 1 of the embodiment. As illustrated in, the feed-side protruding section DSincludes a recess DP. The discharge-side protruding section STis fitted in the recess DP according to the movement in the pushing direction. The state of the discharge-side protruding section STillustrated inis a state of being fit in the recess DP. In the example illustrated in, a surface on the pull-out direction side among surfaces of the discharge-side protruding section STfit in the recess DP is included in a virtual surface including a surface on the pull-out direction side among surfaces of the feed-side protruding section DS. In other words, in the example, the surface on the pull-out direction side among the surfaces of the discharge-side protruding section STfit in the recess DP is flush with the surface on the pull-out direction side among the surfaces of the feed-side protruding section DS. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan prevent unnecessary unevenness from appearing on the exterior of the image reading apparatuswhen the state of the feed tray DS is the first state and, as a result, can prevent the image reading apparatusfrom being caught by another object such as a finger of the user. This also leads to a reduction in the size of the image reading apparatusand is useful.

9 FIG. 2 11 1 2 2 2 11 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 In the example illustrated in, a grip section HLthat can be gripped in order to move the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction is provided on the upper surface of the feed tray DS, that is, the upper surface of the feed-side flat section DS. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan facilitate the pull-out of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction by the user. The grip section HLmay have any configuration as long as the grip section HLcan be gripped in order to move the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. In this example, the grip section HLis an opening provided in the upper surface of the feed tray DS, that is, the upper surface of the feed-side flat section DS. In this case, the image reading apparatuscan allow the user to pull out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction by hooking a finger on the feed tray DS and, as a result, can improve usability of the image reading apparatus. When the grip section HLis the opening as explained above, in the image reading apparatus, the grip section HLdoes not need to be protruded toward the outer side of the housing BX. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the image reading apparatusfrom increasing in size because the image reading apparatusincludes the grip section HL. Note that the grip section HLmay be provided in another part of the feed tray DS instead of the upper surface of the feed tray DS.

10 FIG. 10 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the discharge tray ST pulled out in the pull-out direction together with the feed tray DS by pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. As illustrated in, when the feed tray DS is pulled out in the pull-out direction, the discharge tray ST is also pushed by the feed tray DS and pulled out in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user.

2 1 21 13 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. When the user lifts the feed tray DS in the second state upward, the user can hook a finger on the feed tray DS through the grip section HL. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan facilitate lifting of the feed tray DS by the user.is a perspective view illustrating another example of the state in which the upstream end of the feed tray DS in the second state is lifted upward. In the feed tray DS illustrated in, the first section to be engaged EGis engaged with the third engaging section EGexplained above. For this reason, in the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS is held in a state in which the upper surface is inclined.

10 FIG. 12 12 1 12 In the example illustrated in, the discharge-side protruding section STalso functions as an operation section with which the user operates the discharge tray ST when pushing in the discharge tray ST in the pushing direction. In this case, the user can push the feed tray DS in the pushing direction together with the discharge tray ST by pushing the discharge-side protruding section STin the pushing direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually push in the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can more securely improve the convenience of the user. The operation section may be separate from the discharge-side protruding section ST.

8 FIG. 1 1 1 1 1 In the modification 1 of the embodiment as well, as illustrated in, the image reading apparatusfurther includes the urging member SPthat urges the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction and the restriction section LMthat restricts the movement of the discharge tray ST. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan assist the user in pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. That is, the image reading apparatuscan reduce the force applied to the feed tray DS by the user in order to pull out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction together with the feed tray DS.

1 1 1 1 12 13 12 13 The restriction section LMmay be configured to restrict the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. In this case, the restriction section LMreleases the restriction of the movement of the feed tray DS by the restriction section LMin response to operation received from the user. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan also assist the user in pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. This is because the restriction also restricts the movement of the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction together with the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. This is because the discharge-side protruding section STand the feed-side protruding section DSoverlap in the pull-out direction and the discharge-side protruding section STand the feed-side protruding section DSare in contact when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state.

1 1 1 1 1 The urging member SPmay be configured to urge the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. Even in this case, the urging member SPis provided in the housing BX and moves the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing BX when the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray ST or the feed tray DS by the restriction section LMis released. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan assist the user in pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. That is, the image reading apparatuscan reduce the force applied to the feed tray DS by the user in order to pull out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction together with the feed tray DS.

1 1 As explained above, in the image reading apparatusaccording to the modification 1 of the embodiment, the discharge tray ST moves in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST and, as a result, can improve the convenience of the user.

1 1 1 A modification 2 of the embodiment is explained below. The modification 2 of the embodiment is a combination of the embodiment and the modification 1 of the embodiment. Specifically, in the modification 2 of the embodiment, the image reading apparatusincludes a part where the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST overlap in the order of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction and a part where the discharge tray ST and the feed tray DS overlap in the order of the discharge tray ST and the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, in the image reading apparatus, the discharge tray ST can be pulled out in the pull-out direction together with the feed tray DS by pulling out the feed tray DS in the pull-out direction and the feed tray DS can be pulled out in the pull-out direction together with the discharge tray ST by pulling out the discharge tray ST in the pull-out direction. As a result, the image reading apparatuscan more securely improve the convenience of the user.

1 1 A modification 3 of the embodiment is explained below. The modification 3 of the embodiment includes a moving mechanism MV that moves the driven tray in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the operation tray in the pull-out direction. Accordingly, in the image reading apparatus, both of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST are moved in the pull-out direction regardless of which of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST is treated as the operation tray. Therefore, the image reading apparatuscan reduce labor and time for the user to individually pull out the feed tray and the discharge tray and, as a result, can improve convenience of the user.

12 FIG. 12 FIG. 1 2 2 1 is a side view illustrating still another example of the configuration of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST. In the example illustrated in, the feed tray DS includes a first meshing section RKextending in the pull-out direction when the state of the feed tray DS is the first state. In the example, the discharge tray ST includes a second meshing section RKextending in the pull-out direction in the case. In the example, the second meshing section RKis located at a position facing the first meshing section RK.

1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 12 FIG. Here, the moving mechanism MV is a mechanism that meshes with each of the first meshing section RKand the second meshing section RKand moves the driven tray in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the operation tray in the pull-out direction. The moving mechanism MV may be any mechanism as long as it is capable of meshing with each of the first meshing section RKand the second meshing section RKand moving the driven tray in the pull-out direction according to the movement of the operation tray in the pull-out direction. In the example illustrated in, the moving mechanism MV includes a gear train of two gears, that is, a first gear Gand a second gear Gmeshing with the first gear G. The first gear Gis in mesh with the first meshing section RK. The second gear Gis in mesh with the second meshing section RK. For this reason, when the user pulls out the operation tray in the pull-out direction, the driven tray is also pulled out in the pull-out direction by driving of the gear train. Accordingly, the image reading apparatuscan more securely reduce the operation burden on the user. When the image reading apparatusincludes the moving mechanism MV, amounts of movement of the operation tray and the driven tray can be adjusted by changing the specifications of the first meshing section RK, the second meshing section RK, the first gear G, and the second gear G. As a result, in the image reading apparatus, for example, the size of each of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST can be changed according to a use and a protrusion amount of each of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST from the housing BX can be adjusted. This improves a degree of freedom of design of the image reading apparatusand is useful.

1 2 1 2 1 2 13 FIG. 13 FIG. 13 FIG. In the moving mechanism MV explained above, at least one of at least a part of the first gear Gand at least a part of the second gear Gis housed in the housing BX as illustrated in.is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which the first gear Gand the second gear Gof the moving mechanism MV are housed in the housing BX. However, in, in order to clearly illustrate the first gear Gand the second gear Ghoused in the housing BX, a part of the housing BX and a part of the feed tray DS are omitted.

13 FIG. 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 In the example illustrated in, the entire first gear Gand the entire second gear Gare housed in the housing BX. In this case, in the image reading apparatus, another object such as the medium CPand each of the first gear Gand the second gear Gcan be prevented from interfering with each other. In the image reading apparatus, a part or the entire first gear Gmay not be housed in the housing BX. In the image reading apparatus, a part or the entire second gear Gmay not be housed in the housing BX.

2 1 1 The matters explained above may be combined in any way. For example, the feed tray DS according to the modification 2 of the embodiment may include the section to be positioned EGexplained above. In this case, the housing BX according to the modification 2 of the embodiment includes the positioning section EG. Accordingly, in the image reading apparatusaccording to the modification 2 of the embodiment, when the position of the feed tray DS in the second state is fixed by inclining the feed tray DS, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously pushing each of the feed tray DS and the discharge tray ST in the pushing direction at the time of printing.

[1] An image reading apparatus that reads an image from a target medium from which the image is read, the image reading apparatus including: a feed tray on which the medium is placed; a conveyance unit configured to convey, from the feed tray, the medium placed on the feed tray; an image reading unit configured to read an image from the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; a discharge tray to which the medium from which the image was read by the image reading unit is discharged; and a housing configured to house the conveyance unit and the image reading unit on an inside, wherein the feed tray and the discharge tray are capable of being pulled out in a pull-out direction, and, according to movement of one of the feed tray and the discharge tray in the pull-out direction, the other of the feed tray and the discharge tray moves in the pull-out direction.

[2] The image reading apparatus described in [1], wherein the discharge tray includes a first protruding section protruding from the discharge tray in a direction opposite to a vertical direction, the feed tray includes a second protruding section protruding from the feed tray in the vertical direction, at least a part of the second protruding section overlaps the first protruding section in the pull-out direction, and a protruding section provided in the one tray of the first protruding section and the second protruding section moves the other tray in the pull-out direction by pushing a protruding section provided in the other tray of the first protruding section and the second protruding section in the pull-out direction according to movement of the one tray in the pull-out direction.

[3] The image reading apparatus described in [2], wherein the feed tray is located above the discharge tray in the vertical direction, and the first protruding section and the second protruding section are disposed side by side in order of the second protruding section and the first protruding section in the pull-out direction.

[4] The image reading apparatus described in [3], wherein the second protruding section includes a recess, and the first protruding section is fitted in the recess of the second protruding section according to movement in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction.

[5] The image reading apparatus described in [3] or [4], wherein the feed tray includes a grip section capable of being gripped in order to move the feed tray in the pull-out direction.

[6] The image reading apparatus described in [5], wherein the grip section is an opening provided in an upper surface of the feed tray.

[7] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [3] to [6], wherein the discharge tray includes an operation section, and the feed tray moves in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction in response to operation on the operation section of the discharge tray in the opposite direction.

[8] The image reading apparatus described in [2], wherein the feed tray is located above the discharge tray in the vertical direction, and the first protruding section and the second protruding section are disposed side by side in order of the first protruding section and the second protruding section in the pull-out direction.

[9] The image reading apparatus described in [8], wherein the feed tray is located above the discharge tray in the vertical direction, a surface on the pull-out direction side among surfaces of the second protruding section includes an opening, and the opening provided in the second protruding section does not overlap the first protruding section in the pull-out direction.

[10] The image reading apparatus described in [9], wherein the feed tray includes an operation section, the one tray is the discharge tray, and the discharge tray moves in a direction opposite to the pull-out direction in response to operation on the operation section of the feed tray in the opposite direction.

[11] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [8] to [10], further including: a first urging member configured to urge the feed tray in the pull-out direction; and a first restriction section configured to restrict movement of the feed tray, wherein the one tray is the feed tray, and the first urging member moves the feed tray in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing when the restriction of the movement of the feed tray by the first restriction section is released.

[12] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [8] to [10], further including: a first urging member configured to urge the feed tray in the pull-out direction; and a second restriction section configured to restrict movement of the discharge tray, wherein the one tray is the feed tray, and the first urging member moves the feed tray in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing when the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray by the second restriction section is released.

[13] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [3] to [7], further including: a second urging member configured to urge the discharge tray in the pull-out direction; and a second restriction section configured to restrict movement of the discharge tray, wherein the one tray is the discharge tray, and the second urging member moves the discharge tray in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing when the restriction of the movement of the discharge tray by the second restriction section is released.

[14] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [3] to [7], further including: a second urging member configured to urge the discharge tray in the pull-out direction; and a first restriction section configured to restrict movement of the feed tray, wherein the one tray is the discharge tray, and the second urging member moves the discharge tray in the pull-out direction with respect to the housing when the restriction of the movement of the feed tray by the first restriction section is released.

[15] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [1] to [14], wherein the feed tray includes a first meshing section extending in the pull-out direction, the discharge tray includes a second meshing section at a position facing the first meshing section, the second meshing section extends in the pull-out direction, and the image reading apparatus further includes a moving mechanism configured to mesh with each of the first meshing section and the second meshing section and move the other tray in the pull-out direction according to movement of the one tray in the pull-out direction.

[16] The image reading apparatus described in [15], wherein the moving mechanism includes: a first gear; and a second gear that meshes with the first gear, the first gear is in mesh with the first meshing section, and the second gear is in mesh with the second meshing section.

[17] The image reading apparatus described in [16], wherein at least one of at least a part of the first gear and at least a part of the second gear is housed in the housing.

[18] The image reading apparatus described in any one of [1] to [17], wherein the housing includes a positioning section that determines a position of the feed tray, and the feed tray includes a section to be positioned that is positioned by the positioning section.

[19] A printing apparatus including: a print head configured to print an image on a medium; and the image reading apparatus described in any one of [1] to [18].

The embodiment of the present disclosure is explained in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, a specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment and may be, for example, changed, replaced, or deleted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.